How much does an electrician charge per hour in the UK?

A qualified electrician in the UK typically charges £40–£60 per hour. In London and the South East rates can reach £50–£75 per hour. Emergency or out-of-hours rates are higher, usually £60–£120 per hour.

Do I need to use a NICEIC-registered electrician?

For most domestic electrical work, you should use a NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electrician. Registered electricians can self-certify their work under Part P of the Building Regulations, meaning you won't need to notify your local authority or pay for a separate inspection.

How much does a full house rewire cost in the UK?

A full house rewire typically costs £3,000–£6,000 depending on the size of the property and its location. A 3-bedroom semi-detached house usually falls in the £3,500–£4,500 range. In London, expect to pay 20–30% more.

How Much Does an Electrician Cost UK 2026?

Average electrician costs, hourly rates, and call-out fees across the UK.

Note: Prices are estimates. Always get a written quote. Rates vary by location and job complexity.

Average Hourly Rates

Type of Electrician	Hourly Rate
Apprentice	£20-£30
Qualified Electrician	£40-£60
Master Electrician	£60-£90
Emergency (out of hours)	£60-£120

Common Jobs & Typical Costs

Job	Average Cost	Time
Replacing a light fitting	£40-£80	30-60 mins
Installing a socket	£50-£100	1 hour
Fuseboard upgrade	£400-£700	4-8 hours
Rewiring a room	£300-£600	1-2 days
Full house rewire	£3,000-£6,000	5-10 days
Installing garden lighting	£200-£400	4-8 hours
Consumer unit upgrade	£350-£600	4-8 hours
EV charger installation	£300-£600	4-6 hours

Call-Out Charges

Standard call-out: £50-£100
Emergency: £100-£200
Free if work proceeds: Some electricians offer this

Regional Variations

Region	Average Hourly Rate
London & South East	£50-£75
South West	£40-£55
West Midlands	£40-£55
North West	£35-£50
Yorkshire	£35-£50
Scotland	£35-£50

Tips for Hiring an Electrician

Electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. Choosing the right electrician protects your home, your insurance, and your safety.

Check NICEIC or NAPIT registration — NICEIC-registered electricians are assessed regularly and can self-certify domestic work without a separate building regulations inspection. NAPIT is an equivalent Government-approved scheme.
Get at least 3 written quotes — Never accept verbal quotes for major work. A written breakdown of labour, materials, and VAT helps you compare like for like.
Ask for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — If you're buying an older property or haven't had one in 10 years, an EICR (around £150–£300) identifies any hazards before work begins.
Check insurance — Ask for evidence of public liability insurance (minimum £1 million for most domestic jobs).
Get completion certificates — For notifiable work (new circuits, consumer unit upgrades), you must receive a Building Regulations Completion Certificate. Keep it safe — you'll need it when you sell.

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Disclaimer: Average figures only. Always get written quotes. NearbyTraders provides directory info only.